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Signs of Anorexia

by Alison Cole

Anorexia is an eating disorder in which an individual has an unrealistic body image. Despite being thin, the individual often believes that she is overweight. In an effort to lose weight, an anorexic stops eating or eats very little. As such, the body becomes dangerously thin and other health concerns can arise. Signs of anorexia can be predictable.

When a person suffering from anorexia doesn't eat, there is little to sustain his or her body. As a result, the body slows down. When the body slows down, the resulting effects are evident in each and every part of the body, including the vital organs.

There are, however, two types of signs associated with anorexia - those markedly visible externally and those eroding the internal functioning of the organs. Overall, an anorexic looks thinner; makes herself throw up; employs weight-loss measures too frequently; counts calories; even weighs food; takes diet pills; exhibits a distorted body image; hides her appearance under strange, baggy clothes; avoids eating in front of others; doesn't socialize; has a bad memory; faints; develops thin and brittle hair; and is temperamental.

Anorexics normally have low blood pressure, which puts their lives in great danger of suffering from a heart attack. This is accompanied by anemia and a host of other blood-related problems. Anorexics' bones and muscles turn weak with each passing day, making them suitable candidates for swollen joints and fractures. Prolonged illnesses result in kidney stones and kidney failure, accompanied by low potassium, magnesium, and sodium levels in the body.

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